Heterogeneous biocatalysts for oxygen-independent oxidations using inorganic salts

Introduction

The vast majority of industrial chemical oxidations catalyzed by heterogeneous catalysts (chemical and enzymatic) in aqueous solvents suffer from several technical hindrances related to diffusion restrictions of oxygen. This limitation derives from the low transport rate of molecular oxygen from the gas phase to the solvation sheath on the surface of the solid catalyst where catalysis occurs.

Problem Statement

The restriction of molecular oxygen availability at the reaction point creates a bottleneck in the productivity of industrial processes. To overcome such a major limitation in the industrial productivity of oxidative biocatalysis, we propose the use of a new generation of heterogeneous biocatalysts based on oxidoreductases immobilized on polymeric matrices for the oxidation of alcohols. This approach replaces molecular oxygen with water-soluble inorganic salts as the ultimate electron acceptor.

Market Potential

The results of NIBIOX will be exploited in the fine chemicals industry. Oxidative reactions are one of the pillars of the organic synthesis toolbox. For example:

1. The global market for aldehydes is expected to reach more than $2 billion by 2025.
2. This means a total global market of $232 billion in industrial fine chemistry by 2027.

Conclusion

Therefore, the successful outcome of NIBIOX and its implementation in industrial processes will result in a profitable business with a positive impact on the economy of the stakeholders involved in the exploitation of our solution.